Leicestershire Rural Crime Team Relaunch Operation Snaffle for their Area

Today (30/4/25) to coincide with the fabulous weather, lighter evenings and national week of action under #opgallop, we have relaunched Operation Snaffle .

For those of you that haven’t seen our previous posts this is an operation created by members of the team to try and improve the safety of vulnerable road users, specifically horse riders in Leicestershire.

The team have deployed today in the Blaby area, supported by members of our Mounted Volunteers, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety and Blaby Police Neighbourhood Team.

During which we have a horse rider and cyclist (plain clothes police officer) on the road identifying any vehicles passing too close, too fast or on some occasions both! Any vehicles identified are stopped by uniformed officers and the drivers given the opportunity to speak with police and then take a seat in LFRS Hazard Express where they view a number of virtual reality videos, one of which puts them in the saddle to experience what riders go through when passed too fast/too close.

Alternatively if preferred they have the option to be prosecuted for careless and inconsiderate driving. This will be our third year of running the op and it will be no surprise to you that we have had no takers!

Any passes deemed too severe or any vehicles identified with further issues/offences are prosecuted accordingly.

We’re pleased to report every single vehicle passed our horse/rider and Sgt Cross perfectly this morning, massive pat on the back to all of you in Blaby!

Finally, a massive thank you to Leicester Lions Rugby Club for allowing us to use their car park and facilities today. We couldn’t run these ops without the support we receive from the community!

#opsnaffle#mountedvolunteers#opgallop#closepass#sharetheroad#moretofollow

Leicestershire Police Rural Crime Team